Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry
As volunteers, paid staff, religious and clergy who serve the Catholic Diocese of Austin, we share in the ministry of Jesus Christ, a great privilege and an awesome responsibility.
Our diocesan policies, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in their personal or spiritual life. We must attempt to do likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment and abuse.
Asking for your help
Our policies, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, are available in their entirety on-line, or a paper copy may be obtained from your parish office. They are available in English and Spanish.
Please take the time to read these policies so that you may understand your role in upholding them. You are required to sign a Code of Ethics after you have read the handbook and submit this Code of Ethics to your parish or Catholic school office.
The policies also explain in detail procedures for reporting any suspicions of abuse or other violations of the policies. Please also note that it is a state law that anyone who suspects abuse of a minor must report it to local law enforcement officials.
These policies have been put into place after extensive research, discussion and much reflection. Statistics show that, while clergy sexual misconduct receives the most media attention, about half of all abuse perpetrated in parishes is done so by volunteers.
Protecting God's children
Anyone — volunteers, paid staff, religious or clergy — involved in a ministry with minors (those under the age of 18) or vulnerable adults (those who are uniquely vulnerable to abuse because of physical or mental disabilities) is required to:
- Submit a Parish Volunteer Application to the Diocese of Austin;
- Agree to a criminal background check;
- Attend a workshop on “Protecting God’s Children,” a seminar on child sexual abuse.
The Parish Volunteer Application is completed on a secure web site. The form will ask for personal information; employment, educational and volunteer history; five references and their contact information and approval to conduct a criminal record check. Information from this application will only be available to designated parish staff and the diocesan Chancellor and Bishop. You need only complete the application once, regardless of your involvement in multiple parishes or schools in the diocese.
The criminal background check will be completed by the Diocese, based on information provided by you. The results will be held confidentially. The Diocese will conduct a criminal background check every three years for every individual in a ministry for minors or vulnerable adults.
“Protecting God’s Children” is a nationally developed program that helps parents, volunteers and staff understand the nature of pedophilia and how to keep our churches and schools as safe environments for our children. The workshop is scheduled on a regular basis at various locations throughout the diocese. Click here for a list of upcoming workshops or with your parish for current workshop dates. There is no fee for the workshop, although advance registration is usually required.
Ensuring personal integrity
We highly value the many volunteers who, through their generous giving of their time, talent and treasure, enrich our communities and serve our children. Our policies ensure that their personal integrity is not questioned and that all of us are taking seriously our responsibility to shelter from harm those most vulnerable among us, especially our children and vulnerable adults.
Thank you for being a part of our family of faith. Thank you for bringing to our family your gifts and talents – which include your gifts of Christian ethics and personal integrity. Together, we will continue the mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For more information
Please contact either the Chancellor of the Diocese or the diocesan Communications Director at (512) 476-4888.
Click here to read a report on the Austin Diocese's response to sexual abuse by church personnel.